Just curious. What is the typical profit margin on a Broadway show?
Do most operate at a profit or loss? How long does it typically take to recoup the initial investment in the show?
Your questions are really too broad.
MOST shows do not re-coup their investment, although I forget the percentages.
Shows will only run so long AT a loss before closing -- sometimes its up to the producers, sometimes they are kicked out by the owners of the theater (the stop clause)
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/18/03
There are way too many variables, like cast and crew requirements. There really is no "typical" any more.
The crew size depends on how much the set moves. Nothing flies in Avenue Q hence no flyman. It also had a small cast with no stars and a small orchestra and could run for a long time in the Broadway run grossing in the 200-300 range.
The play Proof was one stationary set with 4 actors on stage hence a small payroll all around and a very profitable two year run.
A big musical with some stars (like How to Succeed) has a big payroll, and great big musical (like Spiderman) has crew costs into the stratosphere.
Then there would be the way royalties (authors, director, choreographer, designers) are structured which can be all over the place.
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/11/10
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